Dynamic visualization of geographic networks using surface deformations /

Visualization techniques for geographic data show vast variations which are well-developed over centuries. While most of the known techniques are sound for low dimensional data sets, few techniques exist for visualization of high dimensional data within the geographic framework. This thesis investigates visualization of temporal. high dimensional network data within the geographic context. The resulting visualization system employs network visualization techniques in conjunction with cartographic visualization methods for providing a qualitative feel for the data, while conventional methods are employed for detailed examination. In turn, the visualization facilitates comprehension of non-spatial variables with respect to the geographic context

On the Effects of Viewing Cues in Comprehending Distortions

As a community, human-computer information and interface designers have tended to avoid use of fisheyes, and multi-scale presentations with their attendant distortion because of concern about how this distortion may lead to confusion and misinterpretation. On the other hand, for centuries, hand-created information presentations have made regular use of distortion to provide emphasis and actually enhance readability. Is the lack of use in computer presentations because thus far in our computational uses of distortion we have failed to provide adequate support that allows people to comprehend the manner in which the information is being presented? We describe a study about relative difficulty in reading distortions that investigates the effect of the use viewing cues such as the cartographic grid and shading on people’s ability to interpret distortions. We look at two interpretation issues: whether people can locate the region of magnification and whether people can read the relative degree of magnification of these regions. We present the findings of this study and a discussion of its results